Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotateable between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly has a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of pins. A first member coupled to the plurality of racks is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins in response to the movement of the first member.

Abstract: A keying system includes a cylinder body. A plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The carrier sub-assembly is moveable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder body between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly includes a plurality of pins and a plurality of racks for selectively engaging the plurality of pins. Each rack of the plurality of racks has a first locking bar-receiving groove along a neutral axis and at least a second locking bar-receiving groove spaced from the neutral axis, wherein a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of a first rack of the plurality of racks is different from a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of at least one other of the plurality of racks.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie

Abstract: A key-operated lock that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers. The lock operates with a user key so that the lock plug turns only in one direction to unlatch or unbolt, and can not operate or rotate in the opposite direction. The lock also cannot be programmed or reconfigured with an operable user key. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The lock is configured to permit rotation in the opposite direction only when using a programming key, which can reconfigure or program the lock for use with another user key.

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.

Abstract: The locking cylinder has a basic code which can be changed using at least one change key (17, 17?). A rotor (3) is mounted in a cylinder housing (2a, 2b) and has a keyway (4) into which a shank of a standard key which is provided with control surfaces 18 can be pushed in order to position the tumblers which are arranged in three first rows (A, B, C). Further tumblers have coding elements (13) which are arranged in further bores in the cylinder housing (2a, 2b) in a programming position of the rotor (3). The change key (17, 17?) interacts with three further rows (D, E, F) of tumblers in the programming position, these tumblers being arranged in slides. These further rows (D, E, F) each contain tumblers having coding elements (C). The locking cylinder can be produced with a smaller outside diameter and be installed in a particularly cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A lock cylinder is provided and includes an outer cylinder having a bore, an inner cylinder rotatably disposed within the bore, and a pin assembly disposed within the inner and outer cylinders. The pin assembly is operable to selectively lock the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The pin assembly includes an upper shear cylinder positionable relative to the outer cylinder and a lower shear cylinder positionable relative to the inner cylinder. The upper and lower shear cylinders are movable to define a first shear line therebetween. In addition, the pin assembly includes an upper pin slidable within the upper shear cylinder and a lower pin slidable within the lower shear cylinder, whereby the upper and lower pins define a second shear line therebetween. The lock cylinder is positionable from a locked position to an unlocked position when the first shear line is aligned with the second shear line.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie

Abstract: A keying system, method and kit, wherein a plurality of replacement master racks are installed in a movable carrier assembly of a cylinder lock with the aid of a rack removal key and a rack removal tool configured for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount, and the rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, the second lift amount being greater than the first lift amount.

Abstract: In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassembling the lock assembly. The tumbler(s) can be pivotable, while in other embodiments the tumbler(s) move in a substantially linear fashion. The tumbler(s) can be comprised of two pieces or portions, wherein one piece/portion of the tumbler(s) either directly or indirectly engages the coded surface of a key while the other piece/portion is positionable to prevent rotation of the barrel with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the tumblers are external to the barrel.

Abstract: A re-keyable lockset that employs pairs of first and second pins. Coupling of the first and second pins to one another defines a key profile for a mating key. A second key with a different key profile may be installed to the lockset when the first and second pins are uncoupled from one another. Thereafter, the first and second pins may be re-coupled to one another to define the key profile of a new mating key. A method for re-keying a lockset is also provided.

Abstract: A re-keyable lock and method. The lock has locked and unlocked positions and includes a housing and a cylinder rotatably supported in the housing. The lock includes a plurality of wafer tumblers resiliently supported in corresponding channels formed in the cylinder. Each wafer tumbler includes a rider element selectively engaged with a base element in first and second engagement positions, wherein the first engagement position corresponds to a first key and the second engagement position corresponds to a second key. The lock also includes a re-keying mechanism such as a re-keying tool which is inserted in a re-keying slot when the lock is in the unlocked position to disengage the rider element from the corresponding base element in the first engagement position and to re-engage the rider element to the base element in the second engagement position.

Abstract: A re-keyable lock cylinder includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The plug assembly includes a plurality of planar wafers and the carrier sub assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the wafers in a face-to-face teeth arrangement. The racks disengage from the wafers to separate the teeth in response to movement of the carrier such that the lock cylinder is in a re-keyable condition when the racks are disengaged from the wafers.

Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a cylinder, a main adjusting pin assembly, a sub-adjusting pin assembly and multiple locking pin assemblies. The housing has multiple sets of pin holes, two main adjusting holes and two sub-adjusting holes. The three holes of the sets of pin holes are respectively referred to as a changing position, an open position and a lock position of the lock assembly. The cylinder is rotatably received in housing and has a main adjusting hole, a main adjusting cavity, a sub-adjusting hole, a sub-adjusting cavity and multiple pin holes. The adjusting pin assemblies are mounted respectively in the main adjusting holes and the sub-adjusting holes in the housing and the cylinder to selectively block the rotation interface of the lock assembly. The locking pin assemblies are mounted respectively in the pin holes. Accordingly, the lock assembly is changeable to fit with different keys.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a rekeying system comprising: a rekeyable lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rekeying tool receiving aperture defined by the rekeyable lock cylinder; and a rekeying tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in said cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating said plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by said lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from said plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of said plurality of racks, each prong from said plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position said corresponding one of said plurality of racks, said first predetermined position common to each of said plurality of racks, each prong from said plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to said base plate, wherein said rack alignment tool is adapted to rest

Abstract: An adaptable lock 10 assembly and a method of using the lock 10 assembly in order to reprogram a lock 10 to accept a key different from the key which originally operated the lock 10. The lock 10 assembly includes a housing 12 with a bore 14 disposed through the housing 12 and a plug 16 rotatably mounted in the bore 14. The plug 16 includes at least one radial slot 18 which is disposed in the plug 16 along the circumference of the plug 16. The plug 16 further includes a longitudinal slot used as a keyway 22 which is adapted to receive a key. The assembly further includes first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 which are disposed in the radial slot 18 and are capable of being in an engaged or disengaged relationship. The distal ends of the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 extend into the keyway 22 to provide a pattern of ridges along the longitudinal inner walls of the keyway 22. When the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 are engaged in a first position, a first key 24 fits the lock 10.

Abstract: In a side bar cylinder lock with a variable key code, plug (6) engages within casing (1) at two opposite portions in preventing plug (6) from rotating in locking state. This improves the lock in resistance to attack. Plug (6) has holes (8) each receiving a tumbler plate (11) and variable tumbler (14) side by side therein. When plug (6) is rotated to have a bulged portion (21) of said bar holder (19) abut against concave portion (2) of casing (1), spring (25) forces end portion (26) of plate (11) to enter receiving hole (9) of plug (6), and forces a bulged portion (21) of holder (19) to engage with concave portion (2) of casing (1), whereby engaging portion (13) of plate (11) is disengaged from an engaged portion (15) of variable tumbler (14). After such disengagement, variable tumbler (14) is rotated through an angle to change the key code to a new one.

Abstract: In a locking system constituted by a housing, a slider provided in the housing and including magnetic lock pins, and a pair of plates provided in the housing so that a magnetic card key can be inserted between the plates, a lock setting changing unit is configured such that a disc rotatable to change magnetic lock setting is inserted into at least one circular recess portion of a slider, the disc is provided with engagement means for preventing a setting tool from being relieved in the middle of changing the magnetic lock setting, the setting tool is inserted into a center hole of the rotatable disc, and after the disc is rotated by the setting tool so that the magnetic lock setting can be changed into a new magnetic lock setting position, the setting tool is allowed to be relieved from the disc.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the lock cylinder of a rekeyable padlock. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rekeyable padlock is provided with a lock cylinder formed within. The lock cylinder includes a cylindrical core formed to receive a key and an outer casing formed around the core. A viewing opening is formed within the casing wall, the viewing opening allowing access to pin openings formed within the core to receive selected pins. The viewing opening is shaped such that it provides a viewing area larger than the pin openings, thereby allowing greater visibility when the pins are placed within the pin openings. The advantages of this viewing opening include greater ease in placing the pins into the pin openings and easier detection when a selected pin is the wrong length and does not sit flush within the lock cylinder core.

Abstract: A dual-function lock in accordance with the invention has an axis-defining lock sub-assembly including first and second axially aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces. The sub-assembly has a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess on one confronting face and one recess-engaging member extending from another confronting face to permit lock function selection by placing the recess-engaging member into a particular recess. Alternative dual-function lock sub-assemblies include a unitary rotator bolt and a companion actuator. The rotator bolt has a release-mechanism-engaging portion and an actuator-engaging portion. While a first section of the actuator-engaging portion permits limited lost-motion between the rotator bolt and a companion actuator, a second section prevents lost-motion. The lock function can be selectively determined by placing the companion actuator into the desired first or second section of the actuator-engaging portion.

Abstract: A programmable cylinder lock that is operable with a first key and a first master key having a different shape than the first key, and that is programmable so that the lock is no longer operable with the first key or the first master key. The reprogrammed lock is operable with a second key having a shape different from the first key and with a second master key having a shape different from the first master key.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a main body having a compartment defined in a lower part thereof for removably receiving a lock core therein. The main body further includes a number of upper chambers defined in an upper part thereof, each upper chamber including an upper pin tumbler received therein. The lock core includes a number of lower chambers defined therein, each lower chamber including a lower pin tumbler received therein. The main body further includes a number of longitudinally spaced holes defined in a periphery thereof each hole being communicated with a lower end of an associated upper chamber. A member has a number of branches, wherein each branch is removably inserted into an associated hole to support the associated upper pin tumbler during removal of the lock core.

Abstract: A novel locking system of the type which has very useful properties and at the same time can be produced cost-effectively, and is therefore suitable to be a mass-produced product, particularly for use in motor vehicles and building fixtures.

Abstract: A rekeyable look includes at least one chamber housing a tumbler pin stack having a master pin disposed between the driver pin and the bottom pin. The bitting of a change code key inserted in the keyway displaces the tumbler pin stack containing the master pin such that the interface between the master pin and the bottom pin is placed on the shear line defined by the cylinder shell and plug. Rotation of the change code key aligns a first slot on the change code key with the master pin wherein the master pin is received by the first slot. The master pin is carried with the change code key on removal of the key from the keyway. A replacement master pin disposed in the first slot is inserted into the keyway with the change code key. Rotation of the change code key aligns the replacement master pin with the drive pin.

Abstract: A closure system composed of a lock and several keys in which the closing of the lock, determined by magnetically controlled tumblers can be modified by a repositioning of at least one tumbler member within the lock to the code of a subsequent key, and in order to obtain a solution which is particularly advantageous with respect to construction and security, the tumbler member (33, 33') is developed as an adjusting part associated with the recoding magnet (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49) in such a manner that the tumbler insertion opening (40, 50, 51) for the recoding magnet can be displaced out of the aligned position with respect to the recoding magnet.

Abstract: The lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body wherein a cylinder plug (1) comprising a slot (2) for the key (18) of the lock is rotatable arranged. The profile of the key slot and therefore also of the key is determined by profile forming elements in the form of rotation bodies (6,7) which are inserted in bores (4,5) extending through the cylinder plug (1) parallel to and adjacent to the middle plane (10) of the key slot (2). The profile elements (6,7) may be made of hardenable steel, for instance by turning, and may comprise a number of portions of different diameters so that the total number of key profiles obtainable becomes high while permitting the key profile to be made very thin and correspondingly difficult to copy.

Abstract: In a magnetic key operated lock, a slide member carries a plurality of wheels in which are mounted magnetic pins. The position of the pins forms part of a code of the lock. The wheels are caused to rotate by insertion of a code changing key, which has a code for unlocking the lock, and moving the slide member. As the slide member moves, one of the pins which is repelled by the particular code changing key abuts a stop, which thus causes the respective wheel, and so the other wheels, to rotate. By having wheels of two different diameters, the smaller wheels can be made to rotate more than once before a code is repeated. The stops are formed by pressing a tang from a stationary wall in the lock.

Abstract: In a magnetic key operated lock, a slide member carries a plurality of wheels in which are mounted magnetic pins. The position of the pins forms part of a code of the lock. The wheels are caused to rotate by insertion of a code changing key, which has a code for unlocking the lock, and moving the slide member. As the slide member moves, one of the pins which is repelled by the particular code changing key abuts a stop, which thus causes the respective wheel, and so the other wheels, to rotate. By having wheels of two different diameters, the smaller wheels can be made to rotate more than once before a code is repeated. The stops are formed by pressing a tang from a stationary wall in the lock.

Abstract: A rekeyable lock which includes a master lock activated by a master lock key, a rekeyable lock adjacent the master lock having a lock mechanism activated by a keyable lock key, and structure operably extending from the master lock to the rekeyable lock for changing the length of the lock mechanism within the rekeyable lock so that a different rekeyable lock key can be utilized to operate the rekeyable lock.

Abstract: A universal lock and key assembly in which the lock is re-keyable and the key is also changeable. The key has a shank portion having a longitudinally extending tooth slot in its top surface. A plurality of teeth have their bottom ends inserted into the tooth slot in any desired sequence to give a predetermined profile to the teeth of the key. The bottom pin cylinder of the lock has mating bottom pins for each of the respective teeth. These are then arranged in a coordinated sequence in the bottom pin cylinder of the lock. The structure of the system allows an individual to change both the configuration of the key and also the mating structure within the lock so it will be operable.

Abstract: A cylindrical key operated variable code lock provides a shell having a cylindrical inner surface and an orifice for accepting a key. The key may be generally cylindrical in shape carrying a number of lugs thereon that are rotationally variable. The drum is normally rotationally fixed relative to the shell by a plurality of locking elements. In response to the insertion of a key having a predetermined code each of the locking elements, conversely, allow the rotation of the drum relative to the shell. The locking elements may be reconfigured in response to a predetermined varying of the key code. The reconfiguration may particularly entail the turning of the unlocked drum to a predetermined position and removing the key while the locking elements are in a state allowing recoding.

Abstract: A lock box is provided with a locking cover held locked by a locking element. The lock mechanism is operated by the fingers of a hand actuating individual tumblers, one for each finger, simultaneously. The fingers push against the tumblers and the distance they push them is determined by the length of the fingers which are held by interdigital stops. The tumblers are spring biased against the finger motion. Each tumbler is provided with a stop and pass mechanism that is adjustable along the length of the tumbler to correspond to a particular finger length so that the pass elements of each tumbler will all be aligned to permit passage of the locking element when a particular hand actuates the mechanism, whereas hands of other elements will position at least one of the stop elements so that the locking element cannot pass and the container remains closed.

Abstract: A small re-combinate lock for equipment and furniture such as desks and cabinets. The lock is comprised of a generally cylindrical shell and a removable plug rotatably mounted inside of the shell. The plug has a core and a plurality of multi-piece tumblers slideably mounted in the core. Each tumbler is an assembly comprised of a wafer holder and a combining wafer removably mounted at an end portion of the wafer holder. A wafer support ring is mounted on the core adjacent to one side of each tumbler and a rotatable wafer carrier is mounted on the core adjacent to the opposite side of the tumbler. The wafer support ring is keyed to the core and the wafer carrier is rotatable on the core. In each wafer carrier there are a plurality of coded wafers which can be exchanged with the combinating wafer of an adjacent tumbler. To re-combinate the lock, the plug is first removed from the shell with a master key.

Abstract: A code lock includes an intermediate bead seat, upper and lower bead seats, all of which are provided with tumbler bead holes receiving tumbler beads. The upper and lower bead seats are slidable relative to the intermediate bead seat between a normal position in which the bead holes of the upper and lower bead seats are aligned with first bead holes of the intermediate bead seat and a resetting position in which the bead holes thereof are aligned with second bead holes of the intermediate bead seat. The combination of the tumbler beads can be changed by using a code key which selectively transfers some tumbler beads from the first to the second bead holes.

Abstract: The invention refers to a system for the use of locks of hotel room doors, lockers of bathhouses or similar facilities, having a central delivery station located in the region of an entrance station of the hotel, bathhouse or the like for the issuance of locking elements (keys) each of which fits a given lock of the different doors, lockers or the like, and a locking-element return device which is located in the region of an exit station and scans the locking element and evaluates it, for instance, with respect to a change for use, said return device being connected for data to the delivery station, and in order to obtain optimum handling, it proposes that the locking element bear an additional code (for instance a bar code) in order to trace its path of use.

Abstract: A closure system consists of lock and several keys in which the closing of the lock, determined by mechanically or magnetically controllable tumblers, is variable in such a manner that a closure code of the lock which corresponds initially to the coding of the first key can be varied by rearrangement of at least one tumbler element (28) within the lock, in response to the coding of a successor key. This negates need for a tool or hand knob. Displacement of the tumbler element (28) be effected by means of the corresponding successor key (36) in the manner that successor keys (36) are divided into a first region (A) associated exclusively with a closure code of the tumblers and a second supplementation region E which enters into action when the first region agrees with the closure code of the tumblers. This shifts the tumbler element (28) into the position acted on by the supplementation region of the next successor key.

Abstract: An adjustable lock has an adjustment slide arranged in the bottom of a key housing, the slide is situated underneath the bolt element and a number of tumbler devices with teeth engage a blade carried by that slide, the improvement of that lock includes a recess and an oblong slot in the bolt element, a first stationay pin mounted to the housing and traversing the oblong slot; a bolt drive lever has its lower end mounted on the pin and is otherwise situated in the recess for translating key motion into a larger latch motion for the bolt, the bolt drive lever having a projection; in addition to a bearing bore, a central part of the bolt driver lever is provided with a key control curve, and the projection on the drive lever engages a U-shaped indent of the bolt, so that the bolt is moved on turning of the drive lever; hence the tumblers are encoded when a key is inserted and turned oppositely following the taking out of the tumblers of said blade, and the key, possibly a new and different key, then re-encodes t

Abstract: A key for use with a lock having internally lugged tumblers comprises an elongate cylindrical member with a longitudinal keyway to receive the lugs. From the longitudinal keyway extend a plurality of circumferential grooves of coded lengths. From the ends of certain of these circumferential grooves extend second, axial grooves which extend back toward the handle of the key. These axial grooves permit the key to be pushed inwardly into the lock after the key has been fully turned. One of the circumferential grooves does not include an axial segment extending from the end thereof. This groove engages a member in the lock which is caused to move when the key is pushed inwardly after rotation. The movement of this lock member activates a printing mechanism inside the lock.

Abstract: Engaging pieces of plates pivotally mounted in a lock box are adapted to engage holes or cutouts formed in a slide member slidable between its locked and unlocked positions. When a right card formed with holes and cutouts in right positions is inserted into a card slot, the engaging pieces in engagement with the holes or cutouts are all pushed down by the card, pivot or pins and are disengaged out of the holes, while the engaging pieces out of engagement are not pushed by the card owing to the cutouts or holes in the card. Thus the slide member freed from the restraint by the engaging pieces can be slid to its unlocked position to open the lock. When a wrong card is inserted, the engaging pieces out of engagement with the slide member will be pushed by the card and engage the slide member, restraining it from moving. Thus the lock cannot be opened.

Abstract: A lock apparatus includes a lock provided with a cylindrical plug having a set of blind holes angularly spaced from the set of pinways in the plug. A longitudinal slot through the center of the blind holes accepts a programming member that lifts one or more master pins out of the blind holes and into housing pinways when the lock is unlocked with a master key and the plug is rotated into a rekeying position to align the blind holes with the housing pinways. The programming member has a hole or notch near its front end to facilitate removal when the lock is unlocked and the plug is in the rekeying position. The programming member may be in the form of a set blade or a set rod, and may be reversible end-to-end to provide additional rekeying combinations.

Abstract: A number of bearers concurrently use card-keys, having a common access code, and a unique lockout code to open a single lock. If a particular bearer is to be selectively locked out, the lockout code sensing device in the lock is changed to lockout the particular bearer but not all other bearers concurrently using their card keys to open the same lock.

Abstract: A lock apparatus includes a key-in-knob lock, padlock or other type of 90.degree. lock provided with a cylindrical plug having a keyway for receiving a master key that has bittings for positioning a master pin in the top portion of a first pinway with the bottom of the master pin aligned with the shear interface to unlock the lock. The plug has a guideway at the surface thereof and angularly displaced from the keyway less than 180.degree. for receiving the master pin during re-keying. A blocking rod is received in the guideway for normal, non-re-keying use of the lock. After removal of the rod from the guideway, a transfer tool is slidable into the guideway. The tool has a cut for receiving the master pin from the first pinway. The tool slides relative to the guideway and moves the master pin in the guideway to directly reposition the master pin adjacent a randomly selected second pinway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for multiple level user and master key lock rekeying changes externally by the use of appropriately bidded level change keys. Several variations of methods and apparatus for removing user level change wafers to rekey user levels independent of master levels and to rekey master levels independent of user levels are disclosed. Some of the apparatus are suitable for locks wherein the cylinder is rotatable at 180.degree., and other embodiments are disclosed for locks wherein cylinder rotation is limited to less than 180.degree.. Further, apparatus for enhancing the security of such rekeyable locks are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lock barrel, particularly a changeable key type barrel which is characterized by using of a profile changing key to reset locking keys in the barrel by turning the barrel for 180 degrees and another profile changing key to restore the barrel to the original position by turning the barrel for 180 degrees but simultaneously the locking keys are pushed to different heights by means of some side plates to complete profile changing.

Abstract: A cylinder lock whose stator is a longitudinal groove and whose rotary cylinder has a key receiving slit, two series of seatings and two orthogonal slits; a series of sliders pushed by springs is inserted, with mobility in two directions, into the first series of seatings of the cylinder and cooperates with a key, and each slider is provided with projections and with a member for sliding engagement; a series of tumblers is slidingly inserted into the second series of seatings of the cylinder, and each tumbler is provided with recesses turned towards the sliders and with at least one recess at the opposite side; a stop bar pushed by springs is inserted into an orthogonal slit and is provided with projections turned towards the tumblers and with a continuous projection suitable for being inserted into the groove of the stator; and a translation bar pushed by springs is inserted into the other orthogonal slit of the cylinder, engages the members for sliding engagement of the sliders and is provided with a contin

Abstract: A dual-function lock in accordance with the invention has an axis-defining lock sub-assembly including first and second axially aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces. The sub-assembly has a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess on one confronting face and one recess-engaging member extending from another confronting face to permit lock function selection by placing the recess-engaging member into a particular recess. Alternative dual-function lock sub-assemblies include a unitary rotator bolt and a companion actuator. The rotator bolt has a release-mechanism-engaging portion and an actuator-engaging portion. While a first section of the actuator-engaging portion permits limited lost-motion between the rotator bolt and a companion actuator, a second section prevents lost-motion. The lock function can be selectively determined by placing the companion actuator into the desired first or second section of the actuator-engaging portion.